Pay up to 20% more for vacations abroad

Falling rupee and rising hotel tariffs have made overseas holidays more expensive for Indians, with a 15%-20% increase in costs compared to last year. European and Southeast Asian destinations are most affected. Despite the hike, travel interest remains high, with more bookings for exotic locations. The strengthening dollar and domestic travel costs are also contributing factors. Free e-visas from several countries are boosting interest.

Ahead of polls, Nitish Kumar inducts 7 new ministers, all from BJP

With assembly polls impending, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has inducted seven BJP legislators into the cabinet, raising its strength to 36. This expansion, the third in 13 months, sees BJP ministers outnumber JD(U) at 21 to 13. The added ministers hail from various backgrounds, with representation from Mithilanchal, backward and extremely backward classes, and upper castes, indicating a strategic move ahead of elections.

Double trouble for foreign education: Weaker rupee, tougher visas

A weak rupee is increasing costs for Indian students studying abroad, exacerbated by tighter post-education work visa norms in the UK and Canada. This could lead to longer loan repayment periods or higher EMIs. Experts suggest locking in foreign exchange rates early and seeking scholarships to reduce financial burden, while recommending students to focus on emerging fields for better job prospects.

Dead KIIT student’s dad seeks justice from India

Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepalese student at KIIT, died after filing harassment complaints. Her father and Nepalese authorities demand justice and an impartial investigation. Protests and diplomatic interventions highlight the call for accountability and prevention of future incidents among Nepali students in India.

In Supreme Court, government opposes life ban on convicted netas

The Centre has argued in the Supreme Court that the six-year disqualification for convicts from contesting elections is constitutionally sound and a lifetime ban should be decided by Parliament. An advocate had filed a petition seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians, but the government argued that time-bound penalties ensure deterrence without being excessively harsh. Courts cannot direct Parliament on legislative policy.

Musk on federal workforce: ‘Are they real, are they alive, can they write emails?’

Siddaramaiah says he learnt of Muda land transactions deal only in 2013

The Lokayukta investigation cleared Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of any involvement in the Mysore Urban Development Authority site allotment case. It revealed that Siddaramaiah became aware of the transactions only in 2013 and had no influence over them. His wife, Parvathi, returned the sites to uphold his reputation. Investigators found no substantial evidence linking Siddaramaiah to any illegal activities.

Unfair to pay toll if road in bad shape, says J&K HC

The J&K and Ladakh high court has ruled that NHAI or its concessionaire cannot collect toll tax from commuters if a highway is in bad shape due to construction activities. The court ordered NHAI to collect only 20% toll at Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas and directed the removal of any toll plazas within 60 km of NH-44 within two months.

Tigress attacks woman near Dudhwa, beaten to death

A stray tigress was beaten to death by villagers after it attacked a woman in Lakhimpur Kheri. Villagers claimed the tigress had been roaming the area for days with no response from the forest department. Authorities are investigating the incident and will register a case following NTCA guidelines.

4 Kumbh pilgrims, including two from Bihar, killed as car crashes into house

Four Kumbh pilgrims from Bihar and Jharkhand lost their lives, and five others were injured when their speeding SUV crashed into a house on the Pratapgarh-Ayodhya highway in Uttar Pradesh. The pilgrims were traveling to Ayodhya after a holy dip in the Sangam when the driver lost control of the vehicle around 2.20 am, leading to the accident.

9 Maoists carrying cash reward of Rs 23 lakh surrender in Bijapur

Nine Maoists, four with a total bounty of Rs 23 lakh, surrendered to security forces in Bijapur, Bastar division. Among them were three women, including Laxmi Madvi with an Rs 8 lakh reward. Police cited the new rehabilitation policy and Niyad Nellanar scheme as influencing factors.

Bezos overhauls Washington Post opinion section - A bold stand or a billionaire’s takeover?

Class 3 student goes blind after principal slapped her, says mom

A seven-year-old girl lost her vision after allegedly being slapped by her school principal in Moradabad. Her mother is seeking assistance for her treatment at AIIMS Delhi. Authorities are investigating the incident, although preliminary findings suggest the girl had an existing eye condition.

Let’s finish what we started for our own benefit: EU chief on FTA

Maharashtra village bar on Muslims’ business during festival

Ahilyanagar district collector Siddharam Salimath has initiated an inquiry into a resolution banning Muslim traders from participating in the Madhichi Yatra, a 700-year-old tradition in Madhi village. The resolution, signed by village officials, cites non-compliance with local customs as the reason for the ban.